RAIL PASSENGERS: Check with operators

Rail passengers intending to travel on Tuesday are advised to check with their train operators for the latest service information.

Normal ticket restrictions are being relaxed by many operators to ensure people can reach their destination as quickly and easily as possible at this important time of year.

Robin Gisby, managing director of operational services for Network Rail, said: “Our fundamental concern is to get everyone where they want to be for Christmas. It won’t be an easy task given the forecast conditions and disruption is likely – but I want to be very clear that our priority is running as many trains as we can safely, rather than worrying about hitting the timetable bang on.

“Hundreds of engineers and other staff will be across the network over the next two days, ready to react quickly to any problems, removing debris and fixing equipment where necessary. We will also be monitoring our system of more than 200 weather stations across the network to ensure we can respond to conditions on the ground rather than simply relying on forecasts.

“I’d like to thank passengers in advance for their patience and understanding. We and the train operators are doing all we can to limit disruption and keep trains running safely.”